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Finland is much more than merely the home for the cellphone company Nokia. Set between Russia and Sweden on the Scandinavian peninsula in northern Europe, portions of Finland lie within the Arctic Circle. It is sparsely populated and much of the country is rural, covered in pine forests and pristine lakes. Finland's capital and cultural center is Helsinki. Finland is the birthplace of the sauna, a hub for winter sports of all sorts and home territory for reindeer. It also has beautiful historical landmarks worth visiting.

Suomenlinna Fortress

The fortress of Suomenlinna sits upon a group of small islands and guards the approach to Helsinki Harbor. Construction of the fortress began in 1748 under the guidance of the king of Sweden, to whom Finland belonged at the time. Under Swedish rule it was known as Sveaborg. It is one of the largest maritime fortresses in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was transferred to civilian administration in 1973. Visitors reach Suomenlinna by ferry and can explore tunnels, fortifications and even a vintage Finnish submarine named Vesikko.

Old Rauma

Rauma is a port on the Gulf of Botnia, one of the oldest harbors in Finland. Old Rauma refers to the city center area, which is built entirely of wood. The site is considered one of the finest preserved examples of 18th century vernacular architecture. The city center is actually much older but was repeatedly ravaged by fire in the 17th century. Few major monuments are among the approximately 600 buildings in Old Rauma, the town hall and Franciscan monastery being the only exceptions. Old Rauma is a UNESCO World Heritate site.

King's Road

The King's Road begins in Bergen, Norway, and runs along the southern Finnish coastline to the Russian border. The road itself is an old mail route connecting Helsinki with Oslo, Stockholm and St. Petersburg, stretching about 240 miles in total. Along the way you can see stone churches, iron mills, manor houses and many a quaint country village. Be sure to stop somewhere along the line and have a session in a local sauna.

Other Places of Interest

Turku is Finland's former capital and once its most important city. It boasts a 13th century castle, now repurposed as a Viking museum. Rovaniemi, above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, boasts a Santa Village theme park. Ainola is the house, north of Helsinki, where Finland's greatest composer Sibelius lived for most of his life. The grounds, where Sibelius and his wife are both buried, are now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

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About the Author

Lori A. Selke has been a professional writer and editor for more than 15 years, touching on topics ranging from LGBT issues to sexuality and sexual health, parenting, alternative health, popular music, film and video, food and cooking. Her work has appeared in "Curve Magazine," "Girlfriends," "Libido," "The Children's Advocate," Decider.com, "The SF Weekly," EthicalFoods.com and GoMag.com.

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